Space saver - Compromise usage

[ShireMan]

Good day all,
Seeking views from the communal knowledge hive, particularly anyone who has done similar…

For my replacement GLC (20” wheels) and SWMBO’s A-class(18”), I’m currently mulling over buying/carrying a space saver (plus each car has breakdown cover).

Thinking worse-case scenario of tyre failure In a ‘god-forsaken hole’ and breakdown support being delayed!

Space saver would fit in my GLC boot undertray area, but not the A-class,

So,
1- given high GLC clearance (& weight), would standard scissor jack be sufficient? (Always with Unused wheel underneath sill).

2- as a compromise, would a single 19” space saver viably cover both (if ever needed, (obviously needing taking to A-class).
Maybe an offset difference I still need to check.

Example space saver available:
19" Mercedes GLC | Space Saver Wheel | The Wheel Shop


TIA,
Tony

 

[GeeJayW]

I only have questions unfortunately:

Is there somewhere to properly stow the space-saver when it’s not in use?
Is there somewhere to put the 20” rim you’ve just taken off the car when the space saver is in use?
Was a space-saver an optional OEM accessory?

https://autocatalogarchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Mercedes-GLC-2021-UK.pdf

https://pictures.dealer.com/mercedesbenzofannapolis/09dfef180a0e0ca27582be9ca84ee7dd.pdf

 

[ShireMan]

I only have questions unfortunately:

Is there somewhere to properly stow the space-saver when it’s not in use?
Is there somewhere to put the 20” rim you’ve just taken off the car when the space saver is in use?
Was a space-saver an optional OEM accessory?

https://autocatalogarchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Mercedes-GLC-2021-UK.pdf

https://pictures.dealer.com/mercedesbenzofannapolis/09dfef180a0e0ca27582be9ca84ee7dd.pdf

Hi,
1- Yes in the undertray on GLC, not in A-class, as per background info.
2- in emergency, put original in cover bag in vehicle,
3- Yes, but sadly irrelevant after the event as mine didn’t come with that option selected, hence current questions

 

[Bellow]

So,
1- given high GLC clearance (& weight), would standard scissor jack be sufficient? (Always with Unused wheel underneath sill).

Can't see why not - assuming you are referring to the jack supplied with the GLC. If not specific to the car, then you'd need to dummy run to be sure. Bottle jacks are cheap and compact (to stash) but are height limited so a suitable lift point needs to be found (and tested).

2- as a compromise, would a single 19” space saver viably cover both (if ever needed, (obviously needing taking to A-class).
Maybe an offset difference I still need to check.

Be careful not to get caught out without any spare as it's unlikely your breakdown insurance covers you in that eventuality.

 

[Petrol Pete]

If the MB jack that came with the car looks similar to this contraption do everything in your power to never use it. I tried mine out 'just in case' , No confidence in it at all . ABSOLUTE emergency use only.

 

[BTB 500]

2- as a compromise, would a single 19” space saver viably cover both (if ever needed, (obviously needing taking to A-class).
Maybe an offset difference I still need to check.

This would almost certainly not work, IMHO.

Apart from the offset, the PCD and bolt size could be different. But more fundamentally a spare must match the rolling radius of the stock wheel and tyre, which is very unlikely to be the same on both cars. Otherwise you'll get all sorts of errors to do with ABS, ESC, traction control, cruise control, etc. (because the car will detect that wheels on the same axle are rotating at different rates).

 

[BTB 500]

Can't see why not - assuming you are referring to the jack supplied with the GLC. If not specific to the car, then you'd need to dummy run to be sure. Bottle jacks are cheap and compact (to stash) but are height limited so a suitable lift point needs to be found (and tested).

Be careful not to get caught out without any spare as it's unlikely your breakdown insurance covers you in that eventuality.

View attachment 163725 If the MB jack that came with the car looks similar to this contraption do everything in your power to never use it. I tried mine out 'just in case' , No confidence in it at all . ABSOLUTE emergency use only.

I was assuming neither car currently has a spare of any type (as is the case with our C Class), in which case they wouldn't have a jack (or wheel brace/chock/etc.). Many space savers are bundled with a kit that includes all the 'stuff' you'd need to actually use it.

As mentioned the stock wheel & tyre you take off will be much bulkier (and probably very dirty). It won't fit in a boot well intended for a space saver.

 

[ShireMan]

View attachment 163725 If the MB jack that came with the car looks similar to this contraption do everything in your power to never use it. I tried mine out 'just in case' , No confidence in it at all . ABSOLUTE emergency use only.

Agree, intended to use a scissor jack, but even they are ‘wobbly’ once extended

 

[ShireMan]

I was assuming neither car currently has a spare of any type (as is the case with our C Class), in which case they wouldn't have a jack (or wheel brace/chock/etc.). Many space savers are bundled with a kit that includes all the 'stuff' you'd need to actually use it.

As mentioned the stock wheel & tyre you take off will be much bulkier (and probably very dirty). It won't fit in a boot well intended for a space saver.

No existing jacks etc, Yes, stock wheel much more bulky/dirty. In a ‘worse case’ emergency, just wrap in tarpaulin !

 

[ShireMan]

This would almost certainly not work, IMHO.

Apart from the offset, the PCD and bolt size could be different. But more fundamentally a spare must match the rolling radius of the stock wheel and tyre, which is very unlikely to be the same on both cars. Otherwise you'll get all sorts of errors to do with ABS, ESC, traction control, cruise control, etc. (because the car will detect that wheels on the same axle are rotating at different rates).

Fair point, legally I believe doesn’t need to be exact (for ‘get to garage’ usage), but clever M-B systems might well indeed complain.
Hmm!

 

[fabes]

AA cover does respond to pictures and carry universal spare wheels

Ask me how I know......

 

[BTB 500]

Fair point, legally I believe doesn’t need to be exact (for ‘get to garage’ usage), but clever M-B systems might well indeed complain.
Hmm!

The tyre doesn't have to be a match in terms of width/tread pattern/etc. (no space saver ever is), but the overall diameter must be the same. The size of the rim is irrelevant (so long as it clears the brake calipers of course!) - it's the total diameter that matters. There are various online calculators that you can plug the standard tyre sizes of your A Class and GLC into, to compare the overall diameter/circumference. E.g.

Tyre Calculator | AlloyWheels.com

Buy alloy wheels from AlloyWheels.com the biggest alloy wheel retailer! Free delivery, finance available, best prices guaranteed.

alloywheels.com

 

[tonysmb]

Which model/year A-Class is it?

 

[ShireMan]

Which model/year A-Class is it?

180, 2919

 

[ALFAitalia]

So it wont be built for another 895 years....worry about it nearer the time!!

 

[ShireMan]

So it wont be built for another 895 years....worry about it nearer the time!!

 

[ShireMan]

180, 2919

2019, , unless I go back to the future !

 

[tonysmb]

2019, so probably the newer W177 model and not a late-registered W176?

I asked because if it was a W176 model, assuming it's like the W246 B-class, a space saver will fit in the well with a slight modification to the plastic boot trim and cutting off a couple of protruding screw/bolt heads. There was an illustrated thread about it somewhere. However, no idea whether the W177 is the same.

 

[rf065]

One point to ponder, after a recent puncture 100 miles from home, I found my breakdown cover if I had a spare tyre in the car, would attend to assist but the most they would do to help would be onward travel to a tyre place within 10 miles. As I had runflats with no spare, or place to keep a spare, they would transport me the full way home. Worth keeping that in mind.

 

[ShireMan]

One point to ponder, after a recent puncture 100 miles from home, I found my breakdown cover if I had a spare tyre in the car, would attend to assist but the most they would do to help would be onward travel to a tyre place within 10 miles. As I had runflats with no spare, or place to keep a spare, they would transport me the full way home. Worth keeping that in mind.

Now that is an interesting observation ! Thanks.